An iconic pedestrian and bike bridge that offers an environmentally-sound transport method has won a Canadian National Steel Design Award.

The iconic Peace Bridge, which crosses the Bow River in Calgary, has been honored in the prestigious biennial National Steel Design Awards of Excellence.

The award, which is given by the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC), describes the pedestrian and bike bridge as an "instant icon of the city" which "has vitalised the surrounding neighborhoods."

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the striking helical design for the candy cane-colored Peace Bridge was completed in 2012, and it provided a remarkable solution to a number of challenging design criteria.

Over the 126-metre span, there are no intermediary supports, which reduces the environmental impact of the structure. In addition, the covered bridge has a narrow 7-metre envelope, to allow for high water and ice levels below.

The bridge’s wide deck provides space for pedestrian walkways on both sides, with a bicycle pathway along the centre, separated by curbs. Encapsulated by glass walls, the bridge provides year-round safe passage for commuters opting for more environmentally sound transport methods. At the time of the bridge’s inauguration it was expected that 1,500 cyclists and pedestrians would use it every day.

Describing the bridge as a “stunning structure” that has “become a favorite with photographers”, the CISC praised the designer’s use of structural steel, and its high strength-to-weight ratio to accommodate the Peace Bridge’s “long span, wide bridge deck, and low structural depth.”